Being made redundant is never easy, but it is incredibly daunting when it happens during a pandemic. That’s what happened to Lynne Graham two years ago.

Faced with no job and very few prospects of finding something similar, Lynne had to make a big decision, which she is now thankful she made. Lynne accepted a job as a cleaner with Spectrum, a job for which she had no prior experience and far removed from her 9 to 5 Office Administration background.

Two years on, Lynne is thriving in Facilities Management and progressing well; she is now a Trainee Area Manager with the business. We caught up with Lynne to ask her about her experiences since joining Spectrum.

Q: Lynne, can you explain how you came to work with Spectrum and how you have progressed during your time with the company?

A:  “Two years ago, I was made redundant from my office job. Not being one to do nothing and faced with bills to pay, I gladly accepted a job as a cleaner with Spectrum. I had no cleaning experience but was somewhat reassured that the company would provide full training.

“Initially, I worked on multiple sites taking on shifts at various client premises. However, I was then given a permanent site working at Terumo, where I was relatively quickly promoted to Backshift Supervisor. Recently, I have been promoted again to my current role as Trainee Area Manager.”

Q: When you started with Spectrum, did you see it as a long-term job?

A:  “In all honesty, no. My options were limited, and I just wanted to work. But, it wasn’t too long before I realised there was more to the job than people think. Now, two years on, I have taken the opportunities presented to me, and I can see even further advancement in the future.

“I won’t go back to administrative work like I did before, although my new role does involve a certain amount of office-based work where I can put my previous experience to good work.”

Q: Didn’t you fully appreciate the range of roles and opportunities when you started as a cleaner?

A:  “No, there are so many different elements to Facilities Management, much more than I appreciated at the time. And there was much more to learn than I had originally thought.”

Q: Was it easy to learn, and were you given good training?

A:  “The training has been excellent and extensive. As I say, there is a great deal to it. I’ve learned about colour coding and the different cleaning regimes that apply to each coded area. I’ve been taught how to use a variety of machines like scrubber dryers and buffers. I even had to learn what a doodlebug was! It is a handheld pole with a small scrubber for corners and edges for those who don’t know.

“Most of the training is on-the-job with excellent supervision from experienced people who gladly spend the time to show you the ropes. In my new role, I will work closely with a Regional Manager to learn every aspect of the job. But I couldn’t do it without working my way up and experiencing the various job roles I will eventually be managing.”

Q: What do you like most about working at Spectrum?

A:  “There are so many it is difficult to say. I really like dealing with people, which is a surprise to me. In the past, I was always happy to sit at the background and listen; now, one of the things I like best is interacting with clients and members of the Spectrum team.

“Another aspect I like is the variety of work. I have worked at events like TRNSMT, the Kiltwalk and football matches at Hampden. These are hard work but great fun too.

“Finally, being appreciated. In the beginning, I explained to people I was ‘JUST a cleaner’; very quickly, clients would correct me and point out the importance of my role. They rightly said that without a clean environment in the workplace, the business would halt. So, their acknowledgement and appreciation of what I do are very uplifting. 

“But, it’s also the appreciation of what I do from the management at Spectrum. They praise and reward hard-working people; that’s not always been my experience with other employers.”

Q: What would you say to anyone considering a career in Facilities Management?

A:  “I’d encourage them to give it serious consideration. There are many different sides to the business and many opportunities to progress. I’m delighted I made the switch; it’s genuinely developed me as a person. It is rewarding and varied, and no two days are ever the same.”

Q: Three years ago, would you ever have imagined you’d be working backstage at a major music festival?

A:  “Never. It’s brilliant, I get to see musicians and celebrities up close, and I get paid for it!”

It was a pleasure to speak to Lynne about her experiences over the last two years. We love it when new people join and flourish in the company. Lynne is a perfect example of someone who, even though she was forced into cleaning, has worked hard, is progressing through the ranks, and has become a valued member of the Spectrum team.